The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon gets ready to gear up for this November, and applicants officially heard the results of the extremely competitive lottery this week.
A record number of marathon applicants put their name in the hat this year, totaling 200,000 runners—the most recorded in the race’s entire history and a 22% increase from 2024.
Of the record amount of applicants, a mere 2-3% were actually accepted, meaning you had the same odds as being accepted into Harvard University.
“More than ever, people want to experience the magic of the TCS New York City Marathon,” said NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer in a press release.
“The TCS New York City Marathon is a special event that brings together people of all backgrounds…all united by the transformative power of running.”
This year’s New York City Marathon is scheduled for November 2nd, 2025, and will feature well over 50,000 runners. Amongst them, professional athletes, celebrities, charity runners, and many others.
Didn’t get chosen for the NYC Marathon? You still have a chance, here’s how
If you weren’t selected to run this year’s 2025 marathon in the general lottery, you still have a chance!
- Official Charity Partner: Runners can volunteer to run on behalf of one of 600 NYC charities participating this year. See the full list of charities accepting runner applications here. Deadline to apply to run the NYC Marathon for charity is September 9th, 2025.
- NYRR Team for Climate: Run for this team which raises money to help offset carbon emissions generated at NYRR events. Applications for the team open in April.
- International Tour Operators: Runners outside of the U.S. can book a spot in the race with a travel package included through an International Tour Operator.
- Free race entry sweepstakes: The New York Road Runners are hosting a giveaway of two free guaranteed entries for five winners and one free entry for five runners-up. The sweepstakes runs from March 8 – 22; and you can enter here.